The Biotechnology Outreach Program of the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is offering 12 Saturday “Gene-iuses on a Mission” events for elementary aged students starting August 4, 2012.

“Gene-iuses on a Mission” is a spinoff from the program’s original Gene-ius Day field trips for elementary schools. On Saturdays, Gene-iuses Missions bring students and their parents/chaperones onto campus for two hours of exciting, engaging activities that encourage scientific thinking and appreciation for all things science-related.

Each session is organized by grade level (grades 1-3 and grades 4-6) and focuses on a specific science-related theme, such as DNA, cells, forensics and agriculture.

Project leader Dr. Ania Wieczorek explains, “The Gene-ius Day Program was created to teach the concepts of genetics in a fun, easy-to-remember way. Each Gene-ius event is packed with hands-on experiments and activities that let students experience and enjoy science.”

The next Saturday event, “Plants to the Rescue,” will take place on August 4 in two sessions, 10:00 a.m. to noon, and 2:00-4:00 p.m. It will repeat on August 18 at the same times.

September 15 and October 6 will bring “DNA Detectives,” and October 20 and November 17 will feature “Buzz Off!” Each event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and 2:00-4:00 p.m.

All sessions will be held at CTAHR’s St. John Plant Science Building 102 on the UH Mānoa campus. Cost is $16.50 per student and $16.50 per parent/chaperone (chaperone optional for all grade levels).

Reservations are required. See the Gene-ius Day website at <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/geneius-day/saturday.html>http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/geneius-day/saturday.html to register and pay online.